Processing machine and method for processing a rail track

ABSTRACT

A processing machine for processing a rail track has a power supply unit for providing power and a processing unit which is able to be operated by the power provided by the power supply unit. The power supply unit and the processing unit are configured so as to be separate from one another. On account thereof, the processing unit is able to be operated in a spatially separated manner from the power supply unit, on account of which a user-friendly, flexible and safe processing of the rail track is enabled.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation, under 35 U.S.C. § 120, of copending international application No. PCT/2019/070929, filed Aug. 2, 2019, which designated the United States; this application also claims the priorities of German Utility Model Applications, Serial No. DE 20 2018 104 967.4, filed Aug. 30, 2018 and Serial No. DE 20 2019 100 139.9, filed Jan. 11, 2019, pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 119(a)-(d), the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety as if fully set forth herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a processing machine for processing a rail track. The processing machine serves in particular for processing a rail, a sleeper, and/or a ballast bed, or a track bed, respectively, of the rail track. The invention also relates to a method for processing a rail track.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A machine for the rail track processing which is able to be manually displaced on the rails of a rail track is known from German utility model DE 20 2016 005 841 U and its counterpart US 2020/0024809 A1. The machine comprises a power module and a work module. The work module has a machine frame which by means of guide rollers is guided on a first rail of the rail track and by way of an outrigger having guide rollers disposed thereon is supported on a second rail of the rail track. The power module is releasably fastened to the outrigger and is electrically connected to the work module. When processing the rail track, the work module and the power module conjointly are manually displaced on the rails.

A grinding installation having a grinding machine which is connected to an apparatus and drive wagon, on the one hand, and to a blower and filter wagon, on the other hand, is known from German published patent application DE 44 37 541 A1. The apparatus and traction car comprises the power supply of the grinding installation.

A tangential grinding machine is known from European Patent EP 0843043 B1 and German translation DE 697 20 371 T2. A drive which is equipped with an electric generator unit for the supply of electricity serves for transporting the tangential grinding machine.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is based on an object of achieving a processing machine of simple construction which enables a user-friendly, flexible and safe processing of a rail track.

This object is achieved by a processing machine having a power supply unit for providing power, and a processing unit which is able to be operated by means of the provided power, wherein the power supply unit and the processing unit are configured so as to be separate from one another. On account of the power supply unit and the processing unit being configured so as to be separate from one another, said power supply unit and said processing unit are able to be operated in a spatially separated manner The processing machine comprises in particular a power transmission connection which for transmitting the power is connected to the power supply unit and the processing unit. The power supply unit and the processing unit form separate functional units which in the operation of the processing machine are connected to one another exclusively by the power transmission connection such that the processing unit is provided the power required for operation. The power transmission connection comprises at least one supply line for supplying power, and optionally at least one signal line for transmitting power for signals. The at least one signal line preferably serves for controlling the processing unit. On account of the separate configuration, the processing unit is comparatively light and easy to handle. The power supply unit and the processing unit are in particular configured so as to be mechanically separate from one another. Only the processing unit has to be manually activated and repositioned in order for the rail track to be rectified. The power supply unit remains in a secured position during the processing of the rail track. The power supply unit is thus not repositioned during the processing of the rail track. The power supply unit and the processing unit are thus configured so as to be mutually separate in such a manner that the power supply unit and the processing unit are able to be repositioned in a mutually independent manner In particular, repositioning of the processing unit is possible without simultaneously repositioning the power supply unit, and vice versa. The processing radius is restricted only by the power transmission connection and the length of the latter. The length L of the power transmission connection is preferably: 2 m<L<30 m, in particular 3 m<L<20 m and in particular 4 m<L<10 m. The power supply unit can remain in a secured position during the processing and has to be repositioned only when further processing of the rail track is to take place outside the original processing radius. The processing of the rail track can take place at a desired spacing from the power supply unit such that an operator is not impeded by emissions such as, for example, noise and/or exhaust gas emissions, of the power supply unit. The processing machines thus enables a user-friendly, flexible and safe processing of a rail track.

The power transmission connection is in particular configured in an electrical, hydraulical and/or mechanical manner The power transmission connection is configured, for example, as an electrical supply line, hydraulic supply line, and/or as a flexible mechanical transmission shaft. The processing unit is preferably able to be operated by means of electric power, hydraulic power and/or mechanical power.

The power supply unit comprises in particular at least one electric connector. The at least one electric connector is configured as a DC voltage socket, an AC voltage socket, a USB socket, and/or a machine-specific connector. The power supply unit preferably comprises a converter, in particular a rectifier and/or an inverter for providing a DC voltage and/or an AC voltage. The voltage height is preferably adjustable and/or selectable. The power supply unit and/or the processing unit preferably comprises at least one connector for connecting an electrical supply line for providing power for the operation of the processing unit.

The processing unit is configured, for example, as a rail grinding unit, as an assembling unit for assembling the rail track and/or as a compactor unit for compacting the ballast bed. The power supply unit is preferably able to be connected in a power-transmitting manner to various processing units such that different processing units are able to be operated using a single power supply unit, depending on the required processing.

A processing machine configured such that the power supply unit includes a supporting frame and at least one guide roller that is rotatably mounted on the supporting frame, guarantees a user-friendly and flexible processing. On account of the at least one guide roller, the power supply unit is able to be repositioned, in particular manually displaced, in a simple manner on a rail of the rail track. The power supply unit comprises in particular at least two guide rollers, in particular at least three guide rollers, and in particular at least four guide rollers. The at least two guide rollers are rotatably mounted on the supporting frame in such a manner, for example, that the power supply unit is able to be repositioned on one rail or on two rails of the rail track. The at least one guide roller serves for the manual displacement, or repositioning, respectively, and/or the motorized repositioning of the power supply unit.

The at least one guide roller is preferably disposed on the supporting frame in such a manner that the power supply unit is able to be repositioned, in particular manually displaced, only on one of the rails such that the power supply unit blocks only one of the rails, on the one hand, and only one of the rails has to be free of obstacles for displacing the power supply unit, on the other hand. The power supply unit can thus be repositioned in a user-friendly and flexible manner from one rail track position to another rail track position.

The at least two guide rollers are preferably disposed on the supporting frame in such a manner that the power supply unit is able to be repositioned, in particular manually displaced, on two rails. A simple repositioning, in particular a manual displacement and/or a motorized displacement of the power supply unit on the rails and beside the rails, for example on a road or a paved way, is possible on account thereof. The power supply unit can be stopped in a simple and reliable manner and be secured against self-acting repositioning at a desired position.

A processing machine configured such that the power supply unit includes a plurality of guide rollers that are disposed along a rail longitudinal direction, guarantees a user-friendly and flexible processing. On account of the disposal of the guide rollers along the rail longitudinal direction, the power supply unit is able to be repositioned, in particular manually displaced, in a simple manner along only one of the rails. The disposal of the guide rollers serves in particular for manually displacing the power supply unit on one rail of the rail track. Tilting of the power supply unit about the rail is moreover enabled such that the power supply unit upon manual displacement on the rail can be tilted and supported on a sleeper and/or the track bed, or the ballast bed, respectively.

A processing machine configured such that the power supply unit includes at least one support element for supporting the power supply unit on the rail track, enables a user-friendly and safe processing. On account of the at least one support element, supporting the power supply unit on a sleeper and/or the track bed, or the ballast bed, respectively, is enabled such that the power supply unit upon manual displacement is secured in a simple manner against self-acting repositioning, for example in the case of a steep rail track. The at least one support element is disposed laterally in relation to at least one guide roller such that supporting and securing the power supply unit is possible by simple tilting on the rail, or about the rail, respectively. The power supply unit preferably has a plurality of support elements which are disposed on two sides of the at least one guide roller and/or are disposed along a rail longitudinal direction, or a displacement direction of the power supply unit, respectively. The flexibility and safety is increased on account thereof. The at least one support element is configured as a support bracket, for example.

A processing machine configured such that the at least one support element is able to be repositioned relative to at least one guide roller, guarantees a user-friendly, flexible and safe processing. On account of the at least one support element being able to be repositioned relative to the at least one guide roller, the spacing between the at least one support element and the sleepers is adjustable for manually displacing the power supply unit, on the one hand, and the dimension of the tilt is adjustable for supporting the power supply unit, on the other hand. Repositioning is preferably possible in such a manner that the at least one support element in a displacement state of the power supply unit does not protrude beyond the at least one guide roller in the direction of the ground such that the power supply unit is able to be manually displaced on the at least one guide roller also on firm ground.

A processing machine configured such that the power supply unit includes at least one handle for manually repositioning the power supply unit, guarantees a user-friendly and safe processing. The at least one handle enables a user-friendly manual displacement and/or manual tilting of the power supply unit. The at least one handle is preferably at least partially able to be repositioned relative to a supporting frame of the power supply unit such that the power supply unit has a compact construction for transportation to and from a site, or for storage. The at least one handle is in particular configured so as to be pivotable and/or telescopic.

A processing machine configured such that the power supply unit includes a mounting for temporarily holding the processing unit, guarantees a user-friendly and flexible processing. The at least one mounting enables a manual displacement of the power supply unit conjointly with the processing unit. After the processing of the rail track at a first rail track position, an operator can dispose the processing unit in the at least one mounting such that the processing unit is temporarily held therein. Subsequently, an operator can manually displace the power supply unit conjointly with the processing unit held thereon to a second rail track position so as to carry out further processing at said second rail track position. To this end, the operator can remove the processing unit from the at least one mounting again and carry out the further processing at the second rail track position.

A processing machine configured such that the power supply unit includes an electric power accumulator, guarantees a flexible processing. The electric power accumulator is in particular configured as a rechargeable battery and/or as a capacitor. A large storage capacity can be provided with a rechargeable battery, since the weight of the rechargeable battery does not impede the handling of the processing unit, on the one hand, and the power supply unit in terms of handling nevertheless remains user-friendly, on the other hand. A capacitor is in particular supplied by an electric power generator which comprises an internal combustion engine, a generator coupled to the internal combustion engine, and a charging circuit. The capacitor guarantees a power-optimized and emission-optimized operation of the internal combustion engine, on account of which the user-friendliness is enhanced. The power supply unit and/or the processing unit preferably have/has an illumination which is in particular supplied by means of the electric power accumulator.

A processing machine configured such that the power supply unit includes a first supporting frame, and the processing unit comprises a second supporting frame, said supporting frames being configured so as to be mechanically separate from one another, guarantees a simple construction. On account of the power supply unit and the processing unit having separate supporting frames, a mechanical separation of the power supply unit and the processing unit is guaranteed in a simple manner The power supply unit and the processing unit in this way configure separate functional units which are able to be displaced and operated in a mutually independent manner.

A processing machine configured such that the power supply unit includes a first handle, and the processing unit comprises a second handle, for manually repositioning independently the power supply unit and the processing unit, guarantees a user-friendly and flexible processing. On account of the power supply unit and the processing unit having in each case a dedicated handle, said power supply unit and said processing unit are able to be displaced and operated in a mutually independent and simple and user-friendly manner.

A processing machine configured such that the processing unit for manually displacing on a rail of the rail track includes a plurality of guide rollers, guarantees a user-friendly and flexible processing. On account of the processing unit having dedicated guide rollers, the processing unit is able to be manually displaced along one of the rails of the rail track independently of the power supply unit. The processing can thus take place on the first rail on which the power supply unit is repositioned, for example, and/or on the second rail. Changing the processing unit from one rail over to the other rail is readily possible by virtue of the comparatively low weight of the processing unit. The guide rollers are in particular disposed along a rail longitudinal direction such that the processing unit is able to be manually displaced in a simple manner along only one of the rails. Tilting of the processing unit about the rails is in particular also possible on account of the disposal of the guide rollers. The field of application of the processing unit is widened on account thereof.

A processing machine configured such that the processing unit is configured as a rail grinding unit, guarantees a user-friendly and flexible processing by grinding. The rail grinding unit includes in particular a supporting frame on which a plurality of guide rollers are rotatably mounted and on which a grinding apparatus is disposed. The grinding apparatus preferably comprises a grinding tool which is able to be rotatingly driven by an electric or hydraulic drive motor. The grinding tool is height-adjustable relative to the supporting frame, for example manually or by an electric motor. A separate handle for an operator is in particular disposed on the supporting frame.

A processing machine wherein the power supply unit includes a supporting frame and at least one wheel that for repositioning the power supply unit is rotatably mounted on the supporting frame, guarantees a user-friendly and flexible processing. The power supply unit is able to be transported in a simple and user-friendly manner to the rail track on account of the at least one wheel. The at least one wheel is particularly suitable for repositioning the power supply unit on firm ground, for example a road or a paved way. The power supply unit preferably has at least two wheels which are mounted on the supporting frame so as to be spaced apart along a common rotation axis. The at least two wheels are preferably disposed on a side of the supporting frame that is assigned to a handle. On account thereof, the power supply unit can be pivoted about the rotation axis of the wheels and thus repositioned on the wheels by means of the handle. The at least one wheel has in particular in each case one rim and a tyre disposed on the latter.

A processing machine configured such that the power supply unit includes at least one auxiliary drive for rotatingly driving at least one guide roller and/or at least one wheel, guarantees a user-friendly and flexible processing. The power supply unit is repositioned in a motorized manner by the at least one auxiliary drive. A manual repositioning of the power supply unit is in particular facilitated in a motorized manner The at least one auxiliary drive is preferably configured as an electric drive motor. The respective elective drive motor is preferably operated by means of an electric power accumulator. The at least one auxiliary drive serves for rotatingly driving at least one guide roller and/or at least one wheel. The at least one guide roller and/or the at least one wheel are/is mounted so as to be rotatable on a supporting frame of the power supply unit. For example, a respective auxiliary drive is provided for driving the at least one guide roller and for driving the at least one wheel. Furthermore provided is, for example, a common auxiliary drive for driving, or selectively driving, respectively, the at least one guide roller and the at least one wheel. The auxiliary drive is in particular able to be selectively coupled to the at least one guide roller or the at least one wheel by means of a gearbox.

A processing machine wherein the power supply unit includes a transport surface, in particular a transport container, guarantees a user-friendly and flexible processing. The transport surface serves for transporting the processing unit and/or tools, for example. The power supply unit preferably has a transport container which includes a transport surface having lateral walls surrounding the latter. The transport container can in particular be able to be closed by means of a lid.

The invention is furthermore based on an object of achieving a method which enables a user-friendly, flexible and safe processing of a rail track.

This object is achieved by a method for processing a rail track, including the following steps:

providing a processing machine according to the invention; and

operating the power supply unit and the processing unit in a spatially separated manner.

The advantages of the method according to the invention correspond to the advantages of the processing machine according to the invention that have already been described.

Further features, advantages, and details of the invention are derived from the description hereunder of a plurality of exemplary embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a processing machine having a power supply unit and a processing unit which is connected to the former in a power-transmitting manner and which for processing a rail track is able to be manually displaced independently of the power supply unit;

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the power supply unit;

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the processing machine in FIG. 1, in a displacement state in which the processing unit is held on the power supply unit;

FIG. 4 shows a lateral view of the processing machine in the displacement state on a rail of the rail track;

FIG. 5 shows a front view of the processing machine in the displacement state while being manually displaced along a rail of the rail track;

FIG. 6 shows a front view of the power supply unit in an operative state tilted and secured relative to the rail;

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of the power supply unit of a processing machine according to a second exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of the power supply unit of a processing machine according to a third exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 9 shows a lateral view of the power supply unit in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 shows a front view of the power supply unit in FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of the power supply unit of a processing machine according to a fourth exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 12 shows a lateral view of the power supply unit in FIG. 11; and

FIG. 13 shows a front view of the power supply unit in FIG. 11.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A first exemplary embodiment of the invention is described hereunder by means of FIGS. 1 to 6. The processing machine 1 illustrated in FIG. 1 serves for processing a rail track 2. The rail track 2 comprises a first rail 3 and a second rail 4 which are fastened to sleepers 5 that are disposed in a ballast bed S, or a track bed, respectively.

The processing machine 1 comprises a power supply unit 6 for providing electric power and an electrically operable processing unit 7, said power supply unit 6 and said processing unit 7 being configured so as to be mechanically separate from one another and forming separate functional units. In order to be supplied with electric power, the processing unit 7 by means of a power transmission connection in the form of a supply line 8 is connected to the power supply unit 6. To this end, the supply line 8 by means of a first connector terminal 9 is releasably connected to the power supply unit 6, and by means of the second connector terminal 10 releasably connected to the processing unit 7. The power transmission connection has a length L which preferably is: 2 m<L<30 m, in particular 3 m<L<20 m and in particular 4 m<L<10 m.

The power supply unit 6 comprises a supporting frame 11 on which two guide rollers 12, 13 are mounted so as to be rotatable about associated rotation axes 14, 15. The guide rollers 12, 13 are disposed on the supporting frame 11 in such a manner that said guide rollers 12, 13 are mutually aligned along a rail longitudinal direction 16, or a displacement direction, respectively, and the rotation axes 14, 15 are spaced apart along the rail longitudinal direction 16 such that the power supply unit 6 is able to be manually displaced selectively on one of the rails 3 or 4.

A handle 17 for the manual displacement is fastened to the supporting frame 11. The handle 17 is fastened, for example, so as to be fixed on the supporting frame 11 or so as to be able to be folded out on the latter. Additionally, the power supply unit 6 for transportation has handles 18 and a fastening eyelet 19, said handle 18 and said fastening eyelet 19 being fastened to the supporting frame 11. The handles 18 are, for example, disposed laterally so as to be fixed on the supporting frame 11 or so as to be able to be folded out on the latter.

In order to be supported and secured, the power supply unit 6 has two first support elements 20 and two second support elements 21. The first support elements 20 are disposed on a first side of the guide rollers 12, 13, whereas the second support elements 21 are disposed on an opposite second side of the guide rollers 12, 13. The first support elements 20 are mutually spaced apart along the rail longitudinal direction 16. Accordingly, the second support elements 21 are mutually spaced apart along the rail longitudinal direction 16. The support elements 20, 21 are configured as support brackets.

The support elements 20, 21 are fastened to the supporting frame 11 so as to be able to be repositioned perpendicularly to a plane E defined by the rotation axes 14, 15. The repositionable fastening takes place, for example, by way of a slot-and-screw connection which is not illustrated in more detail. On account of the repositionable fastening of the support elements 20, 21, the latter are height-adjustable relative to the guide rollers 12, 13, or relative to the plane E defined by the rotation axes 14, 15, respectively. In other words, a spacing A between the plane E defined by the rotation axes 14, 15 and a respective support face F of the support elements 20, 21 is adjustable.

The power supply unit 6 furthermore comprises a mounting 22 for temporarily holding the processing unit 7. The mounting 22 comprises two first holding elements 23 and a second holding element 24, said holding elements 23 and 24 being disposed on the supporting frame 11. The mounting 22 is disposed so as to be substantially centric relative to the guide rollers 12, 13. The mounting 22 is preferably disposed on a side of the supporting frame 11 that is opposite the handle 17. The first holding elements 23 are disposed so as to be laterally beside one another, whereas the second holding element is disposed so as to be centric in relation to the first holding elements 23 and below the latter, such that a three-point mounting is configured.

For providing electric power, the power supply unit 6 comprises an electric power generator 25 which comprises an internal combustion engine 26, an electric generator 27, and a charging installation 28. The generator 27 is mechanically coupled to the internal combustion engine 26, on the one hand, and electrically connected to the charging installation 28 which at the output side provides a charging voltage, or a DC voltage, respectively, on the other hand. An electric power accumulator 29 of the power supply unit 6 is charged by means of the charging voltage. The electric power accumulator 29 is in particular a capacitor, or a capacitor circuit, respectively, and/or a rechargeable battery. In terms of the design of the circuit, reference is made to DE 20 2016 005 841 U1.

The processing unit 7 is configured as a rail grinding unit. The processing unit 7 comprises a supporting frame 30 on which guide rollers 31, 32 are rotatably mounted. The guide rollers 31, 32 are disposed on the supporting frame 30 in such a manner that the processing unit 7 is able to be manually displaced selectively on the first rail 3 or the second rail 4. The first supporting frame 11 of the power supply unit 6 and the second supporting frame 30 of the processing unit 7 are configured so as to be mechanically separate from one another such that the processing unit 7 is able to be repositioned independently of the power supply unit 6. To this end, a handle 33 is disposed on the supporting frame 30.

A grinding apparatus 34 is fastened to the supporting frame 30 so as to be approximately centric between the guide rollers 31, 32. The grinding apparatus 34 comprises a grinding tool 35 that by means of an electric drive motor 36 is able to be rotatingly driven about a rotation axis 37. The grinding tool 35 is manually height-adjustable in the direction of the rotation axis 37. The construction of the grinding apparatus 34 is known and commonplace.

The processing machine 1 has an illumination having a plurality of light elements 38, 39 which are disposed on the power supply unit 6, on the one hand, and on the processing unit 7, on the other hand.

The functional mode of the processing machine 1 is as follows:

An operating state of the processing machine 1 at a first rail track position is visualized in FIG. 1. The processing unit 7 in the operating state is connected to the power supply unit 6 by means of the supply line 8. The power supply unit 6 is disposed on one of the rails 3 or 4, for example on rail 3, as is illustrated in FIG. 1. The power supply unit 6 in the operating state is in a tilted position such that the support elements 20 are supported in one of the sleepers 5 and/or the ballast bed 8, for example. This is visualized in FIG. 6. On account thereof, the power supply unit 6 is secured against any undesirable repositioning, for example in the case of a steep rail track 2, so that a dead man's brake is not required. The support elements 20 are able to be repositioned relative to the supporting frame 11, when required, such that the spacing A between the plane E and the support faces F is adjustable. The tilting angle can be set on account thereof.

The processing of the rail track 2 by means of the processing unit 7 takes place so as to be spatially distanced from the power supply unit 6. The processing radius is restricted only by the length of the supply line 8. The rail 3 or the rail 4 can selectively be rectified when grinding. On account of the relatively low weight of the processing unit 7, the latter can be manually repositioned from the one rail to the other rail 3 or 4, respectively, in a simple manner The grinding takes place by manually displacing the processing unit 7 on the respective rail 3 or 4. Grinding of the rail 4 is visualized in FIG. 1, for example. When required, the light elements 38 and/or 39 can be switched on during the processing.

Once the processing of the rail 2 in the processing radius has been completed, the processing machine 1 has to be manually displaced. To this end, the processing machine 1 is moved from the operating state illustrated in FIG. 1 to a displacement state visualized in FIGS. 3 to 5. The supply line 8 in the displacement state is released from the power supply unit 6 and from the processing unit 7 and disposed in a secured state on the power supply unit 6. The processing unit 7 is disposed in the mounting 22 such that said processing unit 7 is temporarily held on the power supply unit 6. The processing machine 1, or the power supply unit 6, respectively, is subsequently tilted to a horizontal position such that the support faces F no longer bear on a sleeper 5 and/or on the ballast bed S. The horizontal position is visualized in FIGS. 4 and 5. When required, the spacing A can be reduced by repositioning the support elements 20 or 21, respectively, such that the processing machine 1, or the power supply unit 6, respectively, in the displacement state has an enlarged clearance in relation to the sleepers 5 or to the ballast bed S, respectively. This is visualized for the support elements 20 in FIG. 5.

The processing machine 1 by means of the handle 17 can now be manually displaced on the rail 3 in a simple manner until a desired second rail track position is reached. At the latter, the processing machine 1 is converted from the displacement state back to the operative state in the reverse order.

Transporting the processing machine 1 to the rail track 2 and away from the latter takes place by means of the handles 18 which enable the processing machine 1 or only the power supply unit 6 to be repositioned by a plurality of operators. Alternatively, the processing machine 1 can be repositioned by means of a lifting installation that engages on the fastening eyelet 19. For transporting to and from the site, the processing machine 1 is preferably in the displacement state visualized in FIG. 3. Alternatively, the power supply unit 6 and the processing unit 7 can be transported separately from one another to and from the site.

A second exemplary embodiment of the invention is described hereunder by means of FIG. 7. As opposed to the preceding exemplary embodiment, the support elements 20, 21 are able to be pivoted about associated pivot axes 20′ and 21′ such that the support faces F can be repositioned across the plane E. In other words, the support elements 20, 21 can be pivoted in such a manner that the spacing A is zero, or less than zero, respectively. The guide rollers 12, 13 in this displacement state thus no longer lie above the support faces F such that the power supply unit 6, or the processing machine 1, respectively, is able to be manually repositioned on firm ground, for example beside the rail track 2. The flexibility is increased on account thereof. Furthermore, the handle 17 is configured so as to be telescopic and able to be folded out. On account thereof, the processing machine 1 can be converted to a compact state when transported to and from the site. In terms of the further construction and the further functional mode of the processing machine 1, reference is made to the preceding exemplary embodiment.

A third exemplary embodiment of the invention is described hereunder by means of FIGS. 8 to 10. As opposed to the preceding exemplary embodiments, the power supply unit 6, in addition to the guide rollers 12, 13, has two wheels 40, 41 which are mounted so as to be rotatable on the supporting frame 11. The wheels 40, 41 are rotatable about a rotation axis 42. The wheels 40, 41 are disposed on a side of the supporting frame 11 that faces the handle 17 so that the power supply unit 6 by means of the handle 17 is able to be tilted about the rotation axis 42 and is able to be freely repositioned on the wheels 40, 41. In order to be set down, the power supply unit 6 on a side of the supporting frame 11 that is opposite the wheels 40, 41 has support feet 43. The wheels 40, 41 comprise in each case one rim 44 and a tyre 45 disposed thereon.

The electric power accumulator 29 is disposed on the supporting frame 11. In particular, the power supply unit 6 does not have any internal combustion engine nor any generator. The electric power accumulator 29 provides an electric connector V for connecting the electric supply line 8. The electric power accumulator 29 furthermore supplies a DC voltage socket G and, by way of a converter 46, an AC voltage socket W. To this end, the converter 46 is configured as an inverter. A control unit 47 disposed on the supporting frame 11 monitors the electric power accumulator 29 and controls the converter 46 for providing the voltages. The control unit 47 comprises a USB socket B.

In order for the manual repositioning to be supported, the power supply unit 6 has a first auxiliary drive 48 for driving the guide roller 12, and a second auxiliary drive 49 for driving the wheel 41. The auxiliary drives 48, 49 are configured as electric drive motors.

The power supply unit 6 comprises a transport container 50. The transport container 50 is disposed on an upper side of the supporting frame 11 that faces away from the guide rollers 12, 13, or the wheels 40, 41, respectively. The transport container 50 comprises a transport surface 51 which is surrounded by lateral walls 52. In terms of the further construction and the further functional mode of the processing machine 1, reference is made to the preceding exemplary embodiments.

A fourth exemplary embodiment of the invention is described hereunder by means of FIGS. 11 to 13. As opposed to the preceding exemplary embodiments, four guide rollers 12, 13, 12′, and 13′ are mounted so as to be rotatable on the supporting frame 11. The guide rollers 12, 13, in the manner already described, are disposed so as to be mutually aligned in the rail longitudinal direction 16, wherein the associated rotation axes 14, 15 are disposed so as to be mutually spaced apart in the rail longitudinal direction 16. Accordingly, the guide rollers 12′, 13′ are disposed so as to be mutually aligned along the rail longitudinal direction 16, wherein the associated rotation axes 14′, 15′ are disposed so as to be mutually spaced apart in the rail longitudinal direction 16. The rotation axes 14 and 14′, and the rotation axes 15 and 15′ are mutually aligned. The spacing of the guide rollers 12, 13 from the guide rollers 12′, 13′ corresponds to the spacing of the rails 3, 4 such that the power supply unit 6 by means of the guide rollers 12, 13 is able to be repositioned on the first rail 3, and by means of the guide rollers 12′, 13′ is able to be repositioned on the second rail 4. The guide roller 12 is able to be driven by means of the auxiliary drive 48, for example, such that the manual displacement of the power supply unit 6 is supported. The auxiliary drive 48 drives the guide roller 12 by way of a transmission mechanism which is not illustrated in more detail, for example. In order for the power supply unit 6 to be secured against self-acting repositioning, said power supply unit 6 has a brake 53 for blocking at least one of the guide rollers 12, 13, 12′, 13′. In terms of the further construction and the further functional mode of the processing machine 1, reference is made to the preceding exemplary embodiments.

The processing unit 7 can be configured as a grinding unit, an assembling unit, or a compactor unit. The power supply unit 6 is able to be selectively operated with different processing units 7.

In general, the power supply unit can be configured for providing electric power, hydraulic power, and/or mechanical power. The power supply unit is connected to the processing unit by means of a power transmission connection. The power transmission connection is configured for transmitting electric power, hydraulic power and/or mechanical power. The power transmission connection is configured, for example, as an electric supply line, hydraulic supply line, and/or as a flexible mechanical transmission shaft. The processing unit is able to be operated by means of electric power, hydraulic power and/or mechanical power. 

1. A processing machine for processing a rail track, the machine comprising: a power supply unit for providing power; and a processing unit to be operated by way of the power provided by said power supply unit; said power supply unit and said processing unit being configured so as to be separate from one another.
 2. The processing machine according to claim 1, wherein said power supply unit comprises a supporting frame and at least one guide roller that is rotatably mounted on said supporting frame.
 3. The processing machine according to claim 1, wherein said power supply unit comprises a plurality of guide rollers that are disposed along a rail longitudinal direction.
 4. The processing machine according to claim 1, wherein said power supply unit comprises at least one support element for supporting said power supply unit on the rail track.
 5. The processing machine according to claim 4, wherein said at least one support element is able to be repositioned relative to at least one guide roller.
 6. The processing machine according to claim 1, wherein said power supply unit comprises at least one handle for manually repositioning said power supply unit.
 7. The processing machine according to claim 1, wherein said power supply unit comprises a mounting for temporarily holding said processing unit.
 8. The processing machine according to claim 1, wherein said power supply unit comprises an electric power accumulator.
 9. The processing machine according to claim 1, wherein said power supply unit comprises a first supporting frame, and said processing unit comprises a second supporting frame, said first and second supporting frames being configured so as to be mechanically separate from one another.
 10. The processing machine according to claim 1, wherein said power supply unit comprises a first handle, and said processing unit comprises a second handle, for manually repositioning independently said power supply unit and said processing unit.
 11. The processing machine according to claim 1, wherein said processing unit for manually displacing on a rail of the rail track comprises a plurality of guide rollers.
 12. The processing machine according to claim 1, wherein said processing unit is configured as a rail grinding unit.
 13. The processing machine according to claim 1, wherein said power supply unit comprises a supporting frame and at least one wheel which, for repositioning said power supply unit, is rotatably mounted on said supporting frame.
 14. The processing machine according to claim 1, wherein said power supply unit comprises at least one auxiliary drive for rotatingly driving at least one of at least one guide roller and at least one wheel.
 15. The processing machine according to claim 1, wherein said power supply unit comprises a transport surface.
 16. The processing machine according to claim 1, wherein said power supply unit comprises a transport container.
 17. A method for processing a rail track, the method comprising the following steps: providing a processing machine according to claim 1; and operating the power supply unit and the processing unit in a spatially separated manner. 